Ray Roberts Lake State Park camping areas sit at approximately 640 feet elevation in the North Texas Cross Timbers region. The terrain alternates between grassy areas and wooded sections with post oak and blackjack oak trees. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winters can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to Do
Morning hikes before the heat: Wild Plum primitive camping area offers trails with varied terrain and lake views. "I stayed at the Wild Plum (primitive) camping area with my son in early spring. The trail path to the campsites is further than indicated or implied on the website, which isn't a problem if you're packed light," notes a visitor to Isle du Bois Campsites.
Fishing along the shoreline: Sites 119-122 at Isle du Bois offer direct lake access. "Sites on the perimeter all have lake access where you can pull a boat up. We have car camped on a few occasions here and each time we saw plenty of deer around camp," explains a regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout Ray Roberts Lake State Park. "A very nice state park, about an hour northwest of Dallas. Lots of hiking and biking trails, with clean restrooms! Deer will approach your campsite and you're likely to see all kinds of wildlife," reports one camper.
What Campers Like
Primitive camping with privacy: The Hawthorne campground offers more remote sites. "The primitive sites in the Hawthorne campgrounds are spaced a good distance apart and really give you a feel of isolation," says a camper from Isle du Bois Campsites.
Winter camping tranquility: Off-season camping offers more solitude. "There are few campers here in December. Restrooms were clean. Campsites, large and private," notes a winter visitor to Isle du Bois.
Pet-friendly trails: Winstar RV Park provides opportunities for pet owners. "There's a nice sidewalk that runs around most of the park, with doggie bag/trash stations along the way," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the dog-friendly amenities.
What You Should Know
Flooding can limit site availability: High water levels occasionally affect campgrounds. "We went last weekend, water is high, some areas for RV flooded out. Great place to go," warns a camper at Isle du Bois.
Primitive site distances: Backpack appropriately if using primitive sites. "The trail path to the campsites is further than indicated or implied on the website... I was packed somewhat medium in gear and it was quite a trek to carry all of it with a young child who is basically worthless at lifting things," advises a visitor to Wild Plum.
Thornplants near the lake: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake requires appropriate footwear. "Nice place and a beautiful scenic drive. Good place to hike and swim, sites are decent and give a fair amount of space in between. Bring shoes though! Lots of little prickers in the grass down by the lake," cautions a reviewer.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds near restrooms: Multiple play areas are available for kids. "There are several playground areas central to the various campgrounds with easy access for your family. Showers and restrooms are close by the playgrounds as well," notes a visitor to Johnson Branch Campsites.
Beach swimming areas: Sandy beaches offer supervised swimming. "There is also a fantastic beach swim area for day use or to visit while your camping. Nice sand and roped off swimming areas with large playgrounds," shares an Isle du Bois camper.
Walkable camping loops: Hickory Creek's design makes for easy exploration. "The layout of the campground allows you to take long walks throughout the different loops and walking paths themselves," explains a reviewer, adding that children enjoy the lakefront activities.
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: Johnson Branch layout affects campsite selection. "We stayed in the Walnut camping circle and got site 62. The site was actually pretty nice. It had the most trees over the sites around us, to give us a 'in the woods' feel. One thing wasn't great about the site was the the fire ring is pretty close to the street," explains a visitor.
Dog exercise options: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Valley View include Lake Point RV Resort with dedicated pet areas. "The dog park was perfect for my dog on a hot day!" mentions a reviewer who appreciated the pet amenities.
Pull-through convenience: Sanger - Denton North KOA offers easy-access sites. "Nice large concrete spaces with plenty of room for a 44' 5th wheel, tow vehicle and extra vehicle. Office staff was really friendly and helpful. Nice playground for kids and dog park," notes a KOA visitor who found the facilities accommodating for larger rigs.
Ranger
